European Exploration I.Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer sailing for Spain, sights land on October 12, A.Columbus went ashore at San Salvador and claimed the land for Spain. B. Columbus had sailed west from Europe, hoping to find a water route to Asia.

European Exploration 1. They thought they had landed at India. 2.It was 15 years before the Europeans realized the Americas were not part of Asia. C. Columbus’s voyage began the Age of Exploration.

European Exploration II.Spain A.The Spanish government financed many exploration voyages. B.Spain wanted to create an empire around the world. 1.Explorers were to claim land for Spain (Nueva Espana). 2. Explorers were to trade Spanish goods for gold and silver.

European Exploration III. Conquistadors A.Spanish “Conquerors” led expeditions into the Americas. 1. They were nobles. 2.They were warriors. a. They wore suits of armor and steel helmets. b. They rode on the finest Spanish horses.

European Exploration B. Goals of the Conquistadors 1. Acquire as much gold, silver, and other treasures as possible. 2. Explore and claim land for Spain. 3. Bring Christianity to the Indians. C. Friars traveled with the Conquistadors. 1. They were to convert the Indians to the Roman Catholic faith.

European Exploration 2.They were to build churches to support the religious values of Spain. IV.Hernando Cortes A.He sailed from the Spanish colony of Cuba in 1519 when he was 19 years old. B. He landed on the Eastern coast of Mexico.

Hernando Cortes 1.He captured Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztecs. 2. They killed Moctezuma, the Aztec leader. C. The wealth of the Aztecs (gold, silver, and jewels) was taken to Spain. D. Tenochtitlan became the first Spanish colony in the Americas.

Hernando Cortes 1. It was later renamed Mexico City. 2. Mexico City became the capital of New Spain.